Hey guys - I think it's finally time to stop detailing out of a 4 seater coupe. I've been thinking about this for awhile and am ready to finally make the plunge but honestly I know very little about trucks and SUVs. I've been a 100% car guy until now.

So help me out, I want to get a pre-owned late model truck/SUV and would like it to be Japanese (unless I can be convinced there is a more reliable option out there). I've had Nissan/Infiniti's forever (aside from a few....German cars. ) so I'm partial to them.

All I really think I need is the ability to carry about 200lbs of stuff, a lot of it chemicals. I would like for some room to grow, perhaps a small water tank. Auto or manual is fine, I'm not hugely concerned with gas mileage but if it could tow a decent amount that'd be good. Ideas?

 

honda pilot! Had one loved it!

 

i think maybe a pathfinder or a qx4?...maybe a ridgeline..

 

The first one that came to mind Kevin was the X-Trail. The reason is because it has a removable and washable cargo floor in the rear. That could prove useful for all your detailing gear. I am not sure what size water tank that you would be looking at, so I am not sure if the X-Trail would be too small or not. Anyways, it's a great little truck and the Pana Roof is the biggest sunroof of any vehicle on the market.

I would think if you purchased a truck, you would need a cap for the back of it. I am assuming you wouldn't want all your supplies and water tank exposed to the elements in the winter. An SUV you wouldn't have to worry about that.

Other options might be:

Pathfinder
QX4
Xterra
Pilot
Highlander

 

I was thinking about a Pathfinder, it looks like a solid SUV. I've driven the Highlander and did not like it, it's more a cruiser than a work vehicle (imo anyway), that was a 2002. I haven't driven a QX4 or Pilot, I will have to check those out.

I had an X-trail loaner once and thought it was ok, I am not sure it'll be big enough though. I just talked to a friend and he said Pathfinder too, I guess I'll need to drive one. I like that it has a VQ in it since I know that engine and like it so much.

Does anyone have any thoughts on domestics other than "avoid them"? Seems like all my buddies out west drive F150/250/350 or Dodge RAMs, etc... all I know about them is I was in an F150 once and the interior made me throw up a little.

Thanks guys.

 

On a lark I checked out some domestics, man they are giving those things away.

 

yeahhh they're DESPERATE!...but ive seen the new F150s with some serious nice interior..you should check them out...if not pathfinder is a great car...and maybe upgrade with Stillen ..ahaha

 

Check out the Toyota FJ Cruiser. My buddy just bought one, I was quite impressed.

 

F-150 is an excellent truck. You can get it for 0% financing, pretty unbeatable deal.

 

Get a HEMI Dodge Magnum, maybe an SRT8, just in case you have a *rush* job

Seriously, it all depends on what you want to do. I think a Honda Element would be enough as far as getting your stuff all over the place. They're cheap, will run forever and it should hold everything fine. If you can get past the looks...

If you're after something a bit cooler that will let you have some weekend fun, get a Jeep Unlimited Rubicon. 5 doors and plenty of offroad fun.

Really need to get an idea as to how much you want to spend, since that's most likely going to play a large role in your options.

 

For work & winter I have a plane Jane F150 with 235,000 klicks & counting.
I'm expecting to get another 3 yrs out of it.
Front tie rods have been the only issue.

(great for trips to N.Falls NY as well)

 

All great suggestions guys.
FWIW,I've owned two Dodge Caravans ( regular and Grand ) since getting married. Both have lasted for a very long ( 12 years and 7 so far ) time and are quite roomy. They are at a good price point. For business they seem like a cost effective choice. Yeah, yeah, I know. Just offering an alternate point of view. Check one out before you dismiss them.
Just my 2cents worth. If money is not a concern, go with the others, I would.
Good luck with your choice.

 

Kevin, I sold my QX4 a couple of weeks ago and I loved it. I never had any problems with it and it was a very solid truck. If you interested in a Pathfinder, check out the QX4s as well. The QX4s are pretty much the same as a Pathfinder, just a little fancier.

If I was in the market for a half ton truck, I would definitely consider an F-150.

 

Kevin, if you've already narrowed it to Japanese that makes it an easier decision. An SUV gives your equipment more protection from the elements unless you get a cap/cover. If you want towing that takes out all the cute utes like XTrail, CRV(FWD). My father loves his 4x4 Frontier 4l and tows a 4500lb trailer with it. Personally if you don't need the cargo/storage I wouldn't consider the biggest trucks. Harder to park, manouever, and thirstier by a bit. Anything out there in Honda, Acura, Nissan, Infiniti, Toyota is decent but you will pay a premium for it. In domestic the Escape is rated decent as a used vehicle and cheap.

 

Kevin, I think that it depends on how much you want to spend.

The gap in quality between the imports and domestics has gotten much narrower in the last few years. The domestics have had to improve on materials and build quality just try try and stop the "bleeding" of the big loss in market share.

I'm going to sound biased because I am the Fleet Manager at a Chrysler dealer, but I think that the domestics are very close to the imports today in quality.

The big advantage with the domestics is price. There are still some huge incentives to be had...especialy on our Ram, Dakota, Jeep's and Caravan's . If you ever consider changing your mind, let me know. I can help you out if you'd like.

Peter